ETYM Cf. French préventif.
1. Preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease; SYN. preventative, prophylactic.
2. Tending to prevent or hinder; SYN. preventative.
ETYM Greek, to guard against; pro before + phylassein to guard: cf. French prophylactique.
Acting to prevent against disease; preventive.
Preventive against disease; protective.